Originally Posted by
VidaNaPraia
I would not "avoid wandering around at night" at all. The lively street life after dark in Brazil is very pleasant. The warning about beach areas (this is the sand part of the beach, not neccessarily the sidewalk along the main beaches in Rio) is because they are unpopulated after dark.
What? If he means night more in the sense of late night, I would most certainly agree. Do not wander around around at night.
Do avoid the boardwalks after dark. In the summer, they become a bit safer in the dark, but you're coming after the beach activity high season. Locals only go to the boardwalk area at night in order to exercise. That's why pickpockets can spot their victims effortless.
Originally Posted by
VidaNaPraia
I advise to stay off ANY unpopulated area or street, even if it looks to you to be middle-class and safe, especially after dark.
Well, he should only be dogmatic about it because he doesn't know the city, but I know plenty of neighbourhoods which are safe even deserted at night.
Originally Posted by
VidaNaPraia
The historic center in Rio is a business area and after business hours does tend to get somewhat deserted.
It does not get necessarily dangerous, but it's quite disturbing to walk in that mighty emptiness. It gives out the impression that the city has been evacuated.
Originally Posted by
VidaNaPraia
The ice cream in S.P. is the best in the world (Italian immigrant skill meets tropical fruit.)
Overrating much?
Originally Posted by
VidaNaPraia
(Few Brazilians use strollers.)
Seriously? Where did you get that idea? If you need the stroller, do bring it. Every Brazilian baby whose parents can afford one, do own one. Exceptions are though found in cities where people use cars even to go to the bakery. That's not the case in Rio de Janeiro, whose inhabitants can be compared to New Yorkers in terms of how they use public transportation in comparison to the rest of the country.